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Systematic desensitisation - Coggle Diagram
Systematic desensitisation
Technique
Step 2
create fear hierarchy
start with least fear-inducing stimuli and work way up
Step 3
exposure - beginning with least unpleasant stimuli, using relaxation technique
once comfortable, move up the hierarchy. can move back down if necessary
exposure can be imagined (in vitro) or real (in vivo)
Step 1
patient learns muscle relaxation/breathing techniques
reciprocal inhibition - prevents fear response - tension and relaxation incompatable
Application
Wolpe used method to treat 18 year old male with handwashing compulsion
complete remission of compulsive behaviours in follow up four years later
Critical evaluation
Theoretical issues
relaxation technique and hierarchy are irrelevant - just the exposure is effective
treats the symptoms, not the cause
ineffective at treating mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia
contradicts biological approach - we are born with behaviour, it is not learned - should be treated medically
Ethical issues
patient in control - therapist is guiding them
reduced risk of dependence on therapist or perceiving improvements as external
Practical issues
use of in vitro exposure counters practical issues
however, it is dependent on client's ability to imagine fear-provoking situation
slow process - 6-8 sessions
Definition
behavioural therapy technique based on principle of classical conditioning
developed by Wolpe during 1950s